Wireless Station Identity Discovery Using Link Numbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, particularly in IEEE 802.11 and NAN technologies, the broadcasting of beacon frames without encryption exposes MAC address information, compromising user privacy as stations can receive and interpret these frames, leading to unprotected privacy.
Innovation Solution
A security identity communication method where MAC frames carry link numbers instead of real MAC addresses, using an indicating field to identify stations, thus hiding or omitting real MAC addresses for enhanced privacy protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beacon frames are broadcast without encryption to enable station discovery, then station discovery functionality is improved, but user privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identifying information (MAC address) from the beacon frame and replaces it with a link number. This separation allows the beacon frame to maintain its discovery function while removing the privacy-sensitive element that causes harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a link number as an intermediary element between the station's real identity (MAC address) and the beacon frame. This intermediary allows stations to be identified and discovered without exposing their actual MAC addresses, thus mediating between functionality and privacy protection.
2Measurement precision
If MAC addresses are included in beacon frames for station identification, then station identification accuracy is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the station's identity in the form of a link number that can be used in beacon frames. This copy serves the identification function without being the original MAC address, thus maintaining identification accuracy while preventing MAC address disclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for identification from MAC address to link number. This parameter substitution maintains the identification capability while fundamentally altering what information is exposed in the beacon frame.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If link numbers are used instead of MAC addresses in beacon frames, then privacy protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the link number a universal identifier that serves multiple functions: it identifies the station in beacon frames, enables privacy protection, and can be used in subsequent communications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms and offsets the added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a security identity communication method. Frames for communication between a first station and a second station all hide or omit real MAC addresses of the two stations, but identify the identities of the two stations by using link numbers, so as to perform security communication, thereby improving the degree of privacy protection when a user uses wireless communication.